IT giant Cognizant has found itself in the crosshairs of social media criticism over its salary packages. The company has clarified that the much-discussed (or rather much-trolled) Rs 2.52 lakh annual salary offer is intended for non-engineering undergraduate degree holders, and not for engineering graduates.
Contrary to the online uproar, Cognizant asserts that its starting salary for fresh engineering graduates ranges from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 12 lakh annually, depending on factors like specialization and certifications.The company has emphasized that its compensation for engineering graduates is competitive with industry standards and even surpasses those of some peers.
“Our recent job posting for talent from non-engineering backgrounds, with a 3-year undergraduate degree has been grossly misrepresented. This job posting, with compensation of Rs 2.52 lakhs annually, was only for candidates with a 3-year undergraduate degree and not for engineering graduates.
“Our annual compensation for fresh engineering graduates ranges from Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs annually, depending on the category of hiring, skill set, and advanced industry accredited certifications,” said Surya Gummadi, EVP and President, Cognizant Americas.
“The compensation we offer for engineering graduates is highly competitive within the IT services peer group,” he said. He said Cognizant has been recruiting and upskilling freshers from engineering institutions as well as colleges offering degrees in science, arts, and commerce.
“We have been recruiting and upskilling freshers from engineering institutions as well as colleges offering degrees in science, arts, and commerce. Today, as AI increasingly powers modern businesses, we are creating new pathways for talent to thrive in India’s technology industry,” Gummadi further said.
Talking of Cognizant’s India operation, Gummadi said, “India is the heart of Cognizant and its largest talent hub – with over 70 per cent of its over 3,36,000 global workforce – based in major metros and Tier-2 cities, across the country.”